Civic reception for new Miss World

The newly crowned Irish winner of the Miss World Contest, Rosanna Davison has been afforded a civic reception at the Mansion House in Dublin.

The 19-year-old, who arrived on a horse drawn carriage, says she hopes to become an ambassador for the country during her term as Miss World.

She says she is looking forward to a busy year ahead, but is delighted to be back home.

Royston Brady welcomed the 19-year-old beauty and her parents to the Mansion House as celebrations of her success in the final of the world’s most glamorous competition began in earnest.

Student Rosanna, who took a break from college to compete in the event, saw off the challenge of 105 rivals to become the first Irish model to ever win the beauty title at the weekend.

Mr Brady said Ms Davison’s obvious poise, intelligence and wit impressed not only the competition’s judges in China, but all the people of Ireland.

“It’s a great honour and a great privilege for us to have her,” he told dignatories and Ms Davison’s friends and family.

“I think she is going to be a fantastic ambassador over the next year.

“She really does epitomise the young vibrant people of Ireland today and I have to say Rosanna really should be held up on a pedestal.”

Ms Davison said she was honoured to have received such a welcome home to her native city.

“Thank you so much for your continued support throughout the month I spent in China,” she told the audience.

“I’ve been looking forward so much to coming home and I couldn’t wish for a better welcome.”

Proud parents, de Burgh and his wife Diane, sat in the front row as their daughter was presented with a Waterford Crystal globe by the Lord Mayor to commemorate her success.

De Burgh, admitting that he was biased, said there was something remarkable about his daughter.

“She has an aura, a luminessence, a light comes from her and it’s genuine and honest and it’s from the heart,” he said.

“I think that’s what shines through, it’s a natural beauty.”